Benicia mayor attends first-ever White House Maker Faire

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson stands in front of the West Wing of the White House during her visit this week. Patterson was one of the 20 mayors across the country to attend the White House's first-ever Maker Faire.

Patterson was one of the more than 20 mayors across the nation to take part in the event.

"It was very good," she said. "Very fruitful."

The group of mayors, and about 70 others, took part in the "Mayors Maker Challenge," an effort to recruit innovative mayors to boost the Maker Movement in their communities. The challenge is led by Manufacturing Alliance of Communities, a national coalition of local officials.

Patterson said President Barack Obama addressed the room and had three main points: The importance of investment in manufacturing and infrastructure, and education of the young generation.

"This Maker Movement needs to be supported because it's where the creative minds and ideas meet — it needs to be enhanced," Patterson said. "And it's great that we have the attention of the president."

Benicia has also taken part in the growing international movement, which encourages new innovations and technology. Benicia Makerspace has been having a monthly meeting since 2012 at the community center, and is now searching for a space for its members to create and share resources.

After attending the event, Patterson said she has three main goals to achieve in the near future, including finding a space for the Benicia Makerspace, a nonprofit organization.

"We also need to make sure that they are connected to the economic development activities," she said.

Additionally, Patterson said hands-on learning should be brought back to modern education.

"That involves our schools. ... We need to get students interested," she said.

At the fair, Patterson and the other mayors had a chance to look at the 60 something exhibits, many presented by young people, she said.

"To be in a room full of young people who care less about the policy aspect, and just want to do, that was exciting," Patterson said. "All we need to do is open the door, and our job is making sure that investment is made."